Her amused look softened and she took his face in her hands. “Once I snared you, I wasn’t letting go. Now don’t eat too much popcorn.”

He left, satisfied, knowing his life only got better every day.

“You okay?” Layla pushed the footstool over so she could put her feet up.

“Absolutely okay. They looked like seven year olds running off to catch frogs or.”

Layla laughed. “They did. How many times did Lex call you today?”

“Four. Mom called five. You called twice, Tracy once, Tegan once and Grace twice.

Grandma just stopped by.”

“We worry.”

“I know. It’s very sweet. Until the third call. But you know, that’s the breaks. We called Tee this many times andTracy too. Nina doesn’t answer the phone now with the baby and Gabby running riot but she got the calls and visits. It’s weird to not be up there all the time now.”

“It was time. The Enforcer’s job doesn’t have to be a full time guard to the Alpha.

Anyway,Hiro is so good at it and he can take Nina without even blushing. You need to keep yourself on the special diet and try not to be stressed.”

“I love you.” She reached out and squeezedLayla’s hand.

“I’m so glad we have each other. I was worried but he came through thank goodness.”

“He comes through every day. It’s like that first month didn’t even exist. Every once in a while, I look at him and try to imagine what it would be like if he’d never come to me.”

She shrugged. “But I can’t. Because he’s been so solidly here ever since.”

“Sometimes you try to fight what’s fated but hell, you can’t fight fate, cookie.”

“Who wants to when fate drops tall, dark and handsome into your lap?”

“Yes, thoseRosario genes are pretty impressive.”

“Hey you two!”

They turned to see Nina come up the walk, wearing the sling.

She kissed each of them and sat, patting the bundle slowly. “He’s been sort of cranky. I thought a walk would help. And you might as well come up here and go play with Sid and Shane, I know you’re there.”

Lex came out of the tree line with a sigh. “Well next time don’t try to duck out when I’m putting Gabby down.” He stopped to send Megan a narrow-eyed look. “You? Shane said your blood pressure was up. I heard you weeded!”

“She sat while Gabby and I weeded. She held Mr. Man here and he never cried once.

Hmpf. You think I’d make your sister weed when she’s been sick?”

Lex’smanner softened as he brushed a hand down Nina’sjawline . “All these years and it still gets me hot when you snap at me.”

Nina actually blushed. “Go on then. We got girl talking to do.”

“Fate is pretty awesome.” Megan looked around at them, her sisters, her friends, at her deck in her yard. Awesome indeed. Hard fought, but worth every moment of struggle.